i98FM’s Illawarra Convoy raises 2.078 million dollars

The Convoy spirit is alive and well in the Illawarra community, with a staggering $2,078,718.95 the official amount raised from this year’s i98FM Illawarra Convoy.

i98FM Illawarra Convoy Manager Mark Rigby  announced the final figure from the event live this morning during the Breakfast Show with Marty, Christian and Bella.

Following the past week of activities, a total of  $1,358,584.36 was raised before the event had even begun – with the Lead Motorbike Auction raising a total of $405,527.36.

A $230,000 donation from Coles Illawarra saw it take the Lead Bike position on Wednesday followed by the Lead Truck Auction (which raised a total of $953,057) where Menai Haulage and Gear Shift donated $152,500 to secure the top spot, on behalf of six-year-old Nate Deushain, who has recently relapsed with leukaemia.

Mark Rigby says “The generosity from the Illawarra continues to amaze me each and every year. While so many families are doing it tough at the moment, they still manage to give generously to help those who are going through the unimaginable. It is why we continue to do what we do, and it’s wonderful to see the smiling faces on our Convoy families, who treat this day as their Christmas each year.”

It was an emotional day for organisers, with the free Family Fun Day having to be cancelled on Sunday due to severe winds of nearly 90 kilometres per hour hitting Shellharbour Airport.

i98FM’s Marty Haynes says “It was an extremely difficult decision to make, however the health and safety of the public, our Convoy families, artists, staff and volunteers is paramount. Our goal has always been for Convoy to be an event that helps others, and we pride ourselves on that.”

“Under the circumstances we found ourselves in on Sunday, our values of putting the community first ultimately dictated the decision to call the Fun Day off. We will be back bigger and better in 2023 and are so proud of the generosity of our amazing Community.”

Despite this, the Convoy itself ran seamlessly with thousands of people lining the streets of the Illawarra to see 671 motorbikes and 707 trucks take part in the event.

Since 2005, Convoy has raised a total of  $22,341,616.95. All funds raised go directly to the Illawarra Community Foundation which helps families affected by life threatening illnesses.

Since the establishment of the Illawarra Community Foundation in 2016, financial assistance has been provided to over 400 families throughout the Illawarra and South Coast.

The Foundation has also contributed over $4.3 million dollars to the redevelopment of the Wollongong Hospital’s Children’s Ward.

Find more info and details of how to donate here.